Ready for an Adventure? Um, yes, please!

I - Amanda - LOVE these two! I’ve seen Wild Skies develop from the very beginning and it’s been such a treat to watch it grow, thrive, and watch what they’ve done with the vision they had. From pulling out perennials (yes, M gave me plants!) to watching the domes go up. I am just floored by all they’ve done.

Here’s a little more about Megan (she/her) + Rene (he/him) of Wild Skies through a little Get-to-Know Our Sponsors interview.

There is a dome tent on a wooden deck with a table and 2 chairs.

What is the hardest part about what you do?

In short : being on call 24/7 and the only point of contact for our guests. Owning a resort has way more client turnover (and therefore client communication) and a more diverse market than other businesses we've owned. Coupled with the fact that we were the first business of this kind in Manitoba, meant we've had to create communication systems along the client journey to ensure expectations are met, no matter who is choosing to book with us. Being the ones continually innovating this sector is both exciting and exhausting. Thankfully, I've been able to use what I've learned from a decade working in hospitality and 14 years as a photographer. We're implementing AI software to assist in reducing the load this year and I'm so ready to put it to use!

What is the all-time dream part of your job? The thing you still pinch yourself that you get to do? And, tell the people how often you actually get to do it.

Spending most days outside - can't get enough in summer, and forces us out of the house in winter. Who else can say they can go for a canoe paddle in the middle of a work day? Of course there's many gorgeous summer days that must be spent on a computer instead, but having the flexibility is the best!

The inside of this dome tent shows a bunk bed and a queen bed. There is also a wood stove in front of a very large window.

If you could tell your Day 1 starting-a-biz-self one thing what would it be?

Things will get easier. Your ability to be adaptable, creative, innovative, and resilient will help you overcome many obstacles. Trust yourself and your vision - don't let others persuade you away from it.

Someone wants to get into owning a resort . What advice - from an expert - would have saved you a lot of time, sweat, and tears?

People (guests) are less smart than you expect them to be. Communicate clearly + concisely, and review your client's journey from booking to the end of the stay regularly to make adaptations as needed. Even better - use trusted friends (or a company or AI) to review your processes, marketing, website, etc as a potential guest. (shoutout to Amanda!).

Fun fact about you or your biz?

Opening a gathering space was supposed to be a 2-3 year plan, but we found the property that is now Wild Skies in 2 months, and opened 5 months after we got possession in the middle of a pandemic. Nothing like jumping in with both feet.

In this photo there is a patio area wiht bistro lights. And the open air reception space for weddings.

Fav book? Fav show? All your time go to movies while working?

We watch a lot of Lord of the Rings - so much that our goats + sheep are all named after hobbits and we're working on adding the whole fellowship to the flock.

Closing thoughts for the Camp Rover Community?

Surround yourself with other entrepreneurs/creatives/anyone not working the typical 9-5 grind. This community GETS you. And hey - who else is going to be available to go for drinks on a random Tuesday afternoon?

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